To complement Wetzel County Hospital's new and renovated emergency room facilities, Air Evac Lifeteam is now based at the hospital.  Air Evac Wetzel County flight crew members are, from left: John Fannin, Mark Pratter and Nick Iarossi. Photo Submitted 

Air Evac Lifeteam Based at WCH

Air Evac Lifeteam, an independently-owned air ambulance provider, has expanded its service area in northern West Virginia with the opening of a base in Wetzel County. The base is housed on the grounds of the Wetzel County Hospital, 3 E. Benjamin Drive, New Martinsville.

The Wetzel County base is one of 90 bases in Air Evac Lifeteam’s network of air ambulance services and the third in West Virginia. Other West Virginia bases are located in Parkersburg and Logan. The new base will provide employment for 12 to 15 individuals and serve communities within a 70-mile radius of Wetzel County.

“We are very excited to be in Wetzel County and feel there is a need for our services in this area,� said Air Evac Lifeteam’s Bradley Troy, Program Director for the Wetzel County base. “There are some great hospitals and EMS providers in this region, and we look forward to partnering with them and being an extension of that excellent health care service. Our goal is simple: To make sure area residents have access to the definitive care they need in the event of a medical emergency.�

Wetzel County Hospital CEO George Couch said the presence of Air Evac Lifeteam will be another asset to the community. “Emergency care in Wetzel, Tyler and Monroe Counties will be greatly enhanced with the addition of a full-time emergency helicopter service,� said Couch. “This is a great day for Wetzel County Hospital, our employees and the citizens of the area.�

Couch continued, “We have taken great strides as a small rural hospital in providing high-quality emergency, inpatient and outpatient services. The addition of an emergency helicopter service is just one more way to provide timely, quality service for our patients.�

An Air Evac Lifeteam crew, which includes a registered nurse, paramedic and pilot, is on call at each base 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provide on-the-scene medical care and rapid transport to medical facilities. Crew members are trained in advanced pre-hospital care in order for medical care to begin at the scene and continue en route to the hospital. This same training also allows for critical care hospital-to-hospital transfers. The Wetzel County helicopter is also equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, including the use of NVGs (Night Vision Goggles). NVGs are particularly useful on nights with little illumination in identifying emergency scene landing zones in difficult terrain, such as mountains and hills, by raising night-time vision to 20/20.

Air Evac Lifeteam, headquartered in West Plains, Mo., is the largest independently-owned air ambulance service in the country. Since its founding in 1985, Air Evac has transported more than 200,000 patients in need, serving as the critical link to improved response time and immediate access to medical care facilities across 14 states.

“We are very pleased to be located in New Martinsville,� said Air Evac Lifeteam President Seth Myers. “This is a great addition to the already quality health services available in this area. Wetzel County Hospital, Sistersville General Hospital, county and city officials and the residents of Wetzel County and the surrounding counties supported us in the opening of this base. We look forward to working with them in serving their patients.�

Myers said the company is excited about expanding its service area into Wetzel County.

“Our mission is to save lives and positively impact outcomes during life-or-limb-threatening medical emergencies, and we can do this by providing rapid access to definitive emergency health care,� said Myers. “Our goal is to provide quality health care to area residents, and we have unwavering dedication to our mission.

“The opening of this base is part of an ever-expanding commitment by Air Evac Lifeteam and the health care community in this region to improve access to trauma care for residents of northern West Virginia,� he added.

Air Evac Lifeteam was one of the first air ambulance services in the country to offer a membership program. Members pay an annual fee and, if they are flown by Air Evac Lifeteam for life- or limb-threatening medical emergencies, they do not have to pay for the flight. Memberships are valid throughout Air Evac Lifeteam service areas, so members are covered while traveling through Air Evac Lifeteam service areas. 

For more information about Air Evac Lifeteam services or employment opportunities, call 1-800-793-0010 or visit www.lifeteam.net

Around the Burnside    

Your fences need to be horse high, pig tight and bull strong.

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.

I read the other day the enrollment in agriculture at universities is up 22 percent in recent years. The reason given was because of increased interest in related sciences and the job market. Also two thirds of the Ag students at OSU come from non-farming backgrounds. Now tell me Agriculture Education is not important in our high schools.

In the recent OSU alumni magazine was a story about the new Ohio Union due to open this month and it brought back memories. The one they tore down in 2007 was one I helped pay for when I was a student. Actually it was Uncle Sam through me.

It caused quite a stir. We were paying $50 per quarter. They raised the fee to $55 and used the extra $5 to build the “new” Ohio Union. I graduated before it was completed. Students really complained when they tacked on the extra $5. After all, I was working at the Old Union for 50 cents an hour.

The newest Union contains 78 miles of conduit and 285 miles of copper wire and cost 118 million. Take a lot of $5 bills to pay that, won’t it?

Well, I’ve been counted. Our census form has been completed and mailed. Actually I can’t believe a form coming from Washington being so easy to fill out. Must be a catch to it.

Isn’t it something how a few days of warm sunshine makes you feel? I’m kind of surprised how the snow has gone. We still have a sizable pile below the parking lot at our community center.

I went out to get in my car the other day in Caldwell and the birds were singing loud, clear and happy. Made you feel good to hear them. I don’t get up early enough to hear them at times and they are not singing during the winter. Most head for a warmer climate like some people I know.

Now they are talking flood. It seems as though you just can’t win. Heavy rain is on the way to give us something to growl about. First is snow, now rain and flood and hot weather coming up. By the time you read this you will know what has happened.

Here in Lewisville we have little round stones that were scooped up with the snow almost everywhere. I hope it doesn’t wash away with the heavy rain we are going to get, or so they say.

Getting time of the year to kick off the shoes and travel in your bare feet. I had friends who went shoeless as soon as it warmed up a little. Not me. I never got the urge to toughen up my feet.

Seems like marble season came along about now. Remember the steeler that some used as a shooter? We had any number of ways we would cut loose when warm weather rolled around. Have you seen kids play marbles lately?

We had to work out our own activities when we had time. We didn’t have parents setting up little leagues, pee wee football or any of the things for kids starting before they even start school. Nothing against this, I guess, but we got along, had fun and made it OK. I only saw one basketball game before playing in one when I was a freshman. I guess that’s why I didn’t burn up the nets.

I didn’t attend many basketball games as I normally do each year. When you read this I will be attending the Boys’ State Tournament in Columbus. I’m not sure but I think it will be 37 years or so in a row.

I remember one year, in order to get a easy jump on the games, I made arrangements to pick up a motor in Columbus. Guess who were about the first two persons I met at St. John Arena? None other than Mr. Burton and Mr. Haught, two of the head honchos of SOSD.

I made up for the lack of attending games this year by watching games on TV. I’ve watched my share but the ones I kind of like to watch are the OSU women’s and men’s teams. They sometimes get me worked up when they wait until the last minutes or even seconds to put the game on the win side. I do get worked up.

The girls waited till the last 2.2 seconds to win their tournament with two free throws. The boys waited until the last 2.2 seconds to win the game against that team up north. Turner made what I call “The Shot Heard Around the World.” He took the ball, dribbled twice and shot nothing but net. I think I’ve seen the shot replayed at least a dozen times.

The thing I wondered about was how the so-called experts went on and on what Michigan should have done to keep Turner from making the shot. If they are so smart why are they not coaching a team to the final four?

Remember: Don’t judge folks by their relatives.

Hope you didn’t get to church an hour late.

Our Readers Write

OBITUARIES

SUSAN A. RADON
Susan A. Radon, Glen Ellyn, Ill.  She was born July 24, 1962 in Millinocket, Maine, a daughter of Weldon and Donna Astle.

She was the Director of Accreditation at Medical Mutual of Ohio. She was a graduate of Sterns High School in Millinocket, Maine and received her BS from the University of Maine.

In addition to her parents, surviving are her beloved husband, William Radon; loving children, Kyle Randolph Radon, Andrew Charles Radon, Paige Elizabeth Radon; sisters, Amy Pease and her children Tyler and Hanna, Lori MacKenzie and her children Sara and the late Ryan, Patricia (Roy) Evans and daughter Natalie and the late Elizabeth Astle; and in-laws, Robert and Nancy Radon of Woodsfield.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Chester and Thelma Wallace Haigh and paternal grandparents, Tyler and Amy Surrette Astle.

A memorial service was held March 20 at the First Congregational Church, Glen Ellyn. Burial was private.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 1801 S. Meyers Rd., Oakbrook Terrace, Il 60181.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Leonard Memorial Home of Glen Ellyn.

HARRY DRESSLER
Harry Dressler, 72, died March 9, 2010, at home after a short battle with liver cancer. He was born Nov. 13, 1937 in Woodsfield, a son of the late Buryl and Ruby Dressler. 

He graduated from high school in 1955. He worked for Ralph Ault after high school hauling timbers to the coal mines. He and his family moved to Arizona in 1969. He was a member of the Laborers Union and worked for M.M. Sundt Corp. for years. He was also a member of the Carpenters Union and worked for Granite Construction until he retired.

He and his wife enjoyed traveling around the country visiting friends and family. In Sept. 2003 he became a member of the Elks #2131 Lodge in Willcox, Az. He served on the Board of Trustees for five years and was Elk of the Year in 2007. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, flying kites, giving tractor rides and sharing stories with his boys and their wives. He was a hard working, honest man. He will be missed by so many near and far.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Annemarie Dressler; sons, Rodney (Del) Dressler of Willcox, Az., Bruce (Nancy) Dressler of Eager, Az., Bee Jay (Debbie) Kaiser of Springdale, Ar., Berry (Debby) Kaiser of St. David, Az; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three nieces and a nephew and their families located in Ohio. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an older sister, Grace and infant brother, Ralph.

A small service was held March 13 at Westlawn Chapel Mortuary in Willcox. Burial was in Cochise Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Charles Wm. Leighton, Jr., Hospice Inc., P.O. Box 115, Willcox, AZ 85644. 

AVERILL C. ALLEN
Averill C. Allen, 90, formerly of Clarington, died March 21, 2010 in the New Martinsville Health Care Center.

Arrangements are pending at the Harper Funeral Home, Beallsville.

GEORGE C. VESS 
George Clifford Vess, 76, Lower Salem, died Feb. 17, 2010 at Marietta Memorial Hospital. He was born March 8, 1933 in Sycamore Valley, Monroe County, a son of the late Orpha and Myrl Yockey Vess.

He was the owner of Vess Drilling. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea; was a 50 year member of Macksburg Aurelius Lodge #308 F. & A.M.

Surviving are his wife, Ginny Sarver Vess; a son, Ron and his wife, Genie; and daughter, Linda Cisler.

Friends were received Feb. 21 at Hadley Funeral Home, Reno Chapel, with Masonic services by Aurelius Lodge #308 of Macksburg.

Funeral services were held Feb. 22 at the funeral home with Pastor Don Hart officiating. Full military services were held at the funeral home. Burial was at Salem Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Township Fire Department, P.O. Box 56, Lower Salem, OH 45745.

MILDRED E. STEPHEN
Mildred E. "Millie" Stephen, 69, St. Clairsville, formerly of Beallsville, died March 15, 2010 in Liza's Place Valley Hospice Care Center, Wheeling. She was born Aug. 5, 1940, in Massillon, a daughter of the late Stanley and Hattie Taylor Phillips. She was a member of the Beallsville Church of Christ. Millie had been employed by the former LGAM and Jonathan Logan Sewing Factories and she was also a baby sitter for many years. She enjoyed watching birds but the most important thing in Millie's life was her love for her family and friends.

Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Bobby Allen Stephen; three daughters, Cindy Lynn of Barnesville, Brenda Keevert of Uniontown, Pa., Sherry (Ralph) West of Baltimore; two sons, Robert (Aleta) Stephen of Uniontown, Pa., Rusty (Diana) Stephen of Beallsville; a sister, Bonnie (Dick) Giehl of North Carolina; a brother, Lee (Becky) Phillips of Beallsville; 10 grandchildren, Chris and Tim Lynn, Zackery and Ryan Stephen, Westen and Amanda Keevert, David and Jessica West, Ashley and Brett Stephen; seven great-grandchildren, Madison, Gracie, Hailey, Isaiah, Logan, Tearyn and Mya; a host of nieces and nephews; also her extended family, the Burkes.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Larry Allen Stephen.

Friends were received March 18 at Harper Funeral Home, Beallsville, where funeral services were held March 19, with Johnny Burke officiating. Burial followed in Somerton Southern Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liza’s Place, c/o Valley Hospice, 10686 Rt. 150, Rayland, OH 43943.

DAVID H. MILLER
Our angel brother, David H. Miller, 66, Miller Rd., Woodsfield, died March 18, 2010 at Emerald Pointe Health Care Center, Barnesville, after a lengthy illness. He was born Dec. 16, 1943 in Belmont County, a son of the late Arthur and Ruth Gallagher Miller.

He enjoyed life, hunting, fishing, bowling and his activities at MACO. He was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Miltonsburg and will be sadly missed by family, friends and all whose life he has touched.

Surviving are four brothers, Gregory Arthur Miller and friend Barb Garey of Woodsfield, Mark Leon Miller and friend Deanna Zeigler of Woodsfield, Alan Christopher (Patti) Miller of Stoutsville, Brett Joseph (Wilda) Miller of Woodsfield; five sisters, Patricia (Paul) Rush of Woodsfield, Linda (Meredith) Kahrig of Woodsfield, Wanda Monahan of Barnesville, Marilyn Ruth Wells of Wooster, Kimberly (Jim) Johnston of Powell; maternal Uncle Larry (Judy) Gallagher; maternal Aunt Rosalie (Willis) Carpenter; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends were received March 21 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 22 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Miltonsburg, with Rev. Father David Gaydosik officiating. Burial in the church cemetery, Miltonsburg. Vigil service was held March 21 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Hospice, 10686 Rt. 150, Rayland, OH 43943.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com.

RONALD DEAN BROWN
Ronald Dean Brown, 67, Dayton, formerly of Monroe County, passed away unexpectedly March 20, 2010. He was born May 12, 1942 in Summerfield, the son of the late Clyde and Stella Brown.

He joined the USAF in December of 1961 and served until May of 1984 when he retired as a Sergeant. At one point in his career he was stationed overseas in Japan. He continued working for the USAF at DESC from 1984 until he retired with numerous awards in March of 1994.

Surviving are his wife, Connie Marie Hood Brown; three sons, William (JoAnn), Ronald and Jeremy; two brothers, Donald Dean, William Matthew; four sisters, Mary M. Barlett, Ora Viola Wallace, Alice Everel Sercish, Katheryn Hanlan; eight grandchildren, Kyle K., Jacob T., Calista M., Jeremy T., Caitlyn E., Kelsey M., Brandie L., Joann M., along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Melvin Lynn and Robert Jr.

A special service will be held April 3, at 11 a.m. at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with Rev. Richard Wilson officiating. Inurnment will be held at the Mt. Tabor Cemetery near Summerfield.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com.